Steven Gerrard is the man to replace Cesc Fabregas according to Arsenal legend Paul Merson

19 May 2010 05:44

The Gunners rate Fabregas at £50million but Merson believes they should hold out for as much as they can to lure Gerrard, 29, down from Anfield.

He said: 'I worry about the future of Arsenal. They don't win trophies anymore and they're selling their best players. Where are they going?

Over to you: With Cesc Fabregas heading for the exit, Paul Mersonbelieves Steven Gerrard is the man to take the Spaniard's place at the Emirates

'What they need to do is sell Fabregas and take the money up to Liverpool to buy Gerrard.

'He's the man who could come in and immediately command respect and help the team win those crucial games they have been losing. Who else is there?'

With rivals Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City planning to spend again this summer Arsenal are in danger of losing their foothold as one of England's top three sides.

And the former Gunners winger wants Arsene Wenger to change his philosophy of buying young, untried players which he believes has left the squad lightweight and unable to compete.

He said: 'They need to buy established players who can come in, hit the ground running and win things, players like Gerrard.

'If Chelsea sold Frank Lampard they'd still challenge for the title but Arsenal won't stand a chance if they sell Fabregas.

'Five years ago they were this big, strong side. The best team to have played in the Premier League.

'And in he blink of an eye it has changed and there's all these little blokes running around saying 'ooh, please don't kick me.'

Merson played under Wenger for eight months in the 1996-97 season, just as the Frenchman was beginning the revolution which would bring three league titles and four FA Cups to the red half of north London.

But all of the success came in a seven-year spell after he arrived from Japanese side Grampus Eight.

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